“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7 KJV)

What a wonderful verse! This verse is quoted and re-quoted all over the place. Even within the Bible both Nahum (Nahum 1:15) and Paul (Romans 10:15) quote at least a part of this. Why feet though? Why not the face of him that brings good news? Would it not be lit up too? Or why not simply the presence of someone who is really excited about something great that they have to share? These are each great attributes too. Yet each time this verse is quoted, “feet” are specified. Even in the list of the fruits of the Spirit in Ephesians, feet are listed. “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” (Ephesians 6:15 KJV) The love story in the Song of Solomon (see Song of Solomon 7:1) mention feet as part of what is adored.

Feet have a unique characteristic. They allow us to stand and move. We can intellectually be there or our heart can be there, but it is our feet that actually get us there. Similar to James's contention in James 2 in that works reveal faith, so where our feet are and where they go reveal how well the best laid plans are actually carried out. Even in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2, despite the head of gold; the feet were mixed with iron and clay. Perhaps this was in part why Nebuchadnezzar turned around and made a 90 foot statue entirely of gold that contained no other materials. Feet are so important that not only does Jesus give the example of washing each disciples feet that they might know how to wash the feet of others, but He goes one step further. “Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.” (John 13:10 KJV)

One of the biggest challenges for the Christian is that we realize this and try our best to manage to do well. What actually comes out of us needs to be right even more than what we think internally. Yet this is most completely done via a surrender to Jesus rather than a management of our own will. If it is natural for our feet to go there because the rest of our body is surrendered to Christ, it is the truest of reflections. Yet we must not forget our feet. They need to move and take us into the work the Lord has for us. They may help us find even more value to surrender when we get there.

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15 KJV)